Women’s football is shaped not only by the players on the pitch, but by the creatives, organisers, storytellers and visionaries who help build the culture around the game. At VERTA, we’re launching a brand-new interview series shining a light on the women working across football — from illustrators and photographers to strategists, designers and community leaders.
Our first Spotlight features Lizzie Knott, an illustrator and football obsessive whose bold, colourful work has become instantly recognisable across the women’s game. From programme covers and tournament campaigns to a giant mural at the Lionesses’ base camp for the 2025 Euros, Lizzie’s journey is a perfect example of passion meeting purpose.
In this interview, she talks about her creative roots, her favourite football memories, her process, her inspirations, and what it really means to be a woman working creatively in the sport.
Creative Journey & Football Roots
What came first for you — the love of football or the love of illustrating?
From a very young age, I couldn’t put a paintbrush down. My parents bought me a plastic easel and I couldn’t get away from it. I always enjoyed drawing people, whether that be my favourite characters from film and TV or my friends and family.
I also got into football early. My dad and I had a season ticket for Watford, and I was even a mascot once! The energy of matchdays absolutely shaped me. Getting into the sport young gave me a deeper connection and understanding that now plays a big part in my work.
Can you remember the moment you realised you wanted to merge art with football?
Yes! The 2022 Women’s Euros. Watching the nation come together for the Lionesses was incredibly inspiring. The energy, the iconic moments — especially Alessia Russo’s backheel — pushed me to pick up my pencil again. I’d stopped drawing for myself while working as a children’s book designer, so it felt amazing to reconnect with illustration through the tournament. I haven’t stopped creating football artwork since.
Who or what was your earliest inspiration in the women’s game?
I remember watching Team GB at the 2012 Olympics and being blown away by their skill, power and speed. I was 14 and absolutely adored Kelly Smith. As an Arsenal fan, she’s a true hero — her ability to create chances out of nothing was spectacular.
Do you have a favourite match, moment or player that shaped your connection to football?
For me, football is about the day out. Meeting friends, catching up at half time, the pub afterwards… it’s a whole experience. I remember going to Wembley with my dad and friends for a Watford match — the result wasn’t ideal, but the sense of community and belonging that day really cemented my love for football.
Lizzie’s Work & Creative Process
How would you describe your illustration style in three words?
Bold, colourful and playful.
What’s the most challenging part of capturing football in artwork?
Movement. I love drawing big, dynamic moments — bicycle kicks, huge saves — but the game moves so fast. I rely on good reference images when possible, and sometimes I have to trust my instincts to fill in the gaps convincingly.
When creating programme designs, what details make the women’s game stand out visually?
Speed, power and technicality. People still underestimate the women’s game, assuming it’s weaker — but the strength is absolutely there, and I like to amplify that visually.
Do you have a favourite piece you’ve ever illustrated?
Definitely the mural I created for the Lionesses’ base camp in Switzerland for the 2025 Euros. England Football commissioned me to illustrate the squad with their younger selves in grassroots kits — a piece designed to inspire both players and young girls. Seeing the Lionesses posting it on their stories felt surreal. And for the tournament to end in a win… just unbelievable.
What does your creative process look like from idea to final artwork?
I start with super rough paper sketches to build a composition, then refine in black and white for client approval. After that, I experiment with colour schemes until it clicks. My process is chaotic in the best way — lots of trial and error, and often stepping away for a few hours to reset my perspective.
Women’s Football Perspective
How has working in the women’s game changed your view of football?
It’s made me appreciate the huge number of people behind the scenes. Programme designers, photographers, kit crews, grounds staff — they all make the game possible. The players are amazing, but the ecosystem around them deserves recognition too.
What do people still misunderstand about women’s football?
That it’s somehow less exciting. It’s not! These players are incredible athletes. Women’s football isn’t “girls having a kickabout” — it’s elite sport, full stop.
If you could shine a spotlight on one area that deserves more attention, what would it be?
The rise in ACL injuries. Many boots are still designed for men, which is a major issue. We’re losing key players — even up-and-coming talents like Michelle Agyemang and Katie Reid. More research, prevention and equipment innovation is desperately needed.
Which players, clubs or creatives inspire you right now?
So many!
– Olivia Smith has been an electric signing for Arsenal.
– Everton Women investing in Goodison Park is huge.
– GracieDoGood (tattoo artist), Baller FC, LuckyCowboys Merch, and illustrator Pritchard’s Pencil all inspire me creatively.
What’s one thing that makes the women’s game special to you?
Community. The connection between fans and players feels real. They’re humble, open, and relatable. And I’ve made so many creative friends through the sport — everyone uplifts each other.
Industry, Career & Representation
What’s it like being a woman working creatively in football?
It can be tricky. Sport is still male-dominated, and breaking into the men’s game is hard. I don’t want to be pigeon-holed — I love both and want to work across both.
Have you seen more opportunities opening for female creatives?
Yes, especially in the women’s game. More podcasts, photographers, designers — and more support from big brands. It feels much more accessible right now.
What advice would you give young women wanting to break into football illustration/design?
Put yourself out there. Post your work. Make TikToks. DM clubs or creators and ask to collaborate. Most of my work came from me asking for opportunities. Fake it till you make it!
What’s the biggest professional lesson football has taught you?
It’s unpredictable. Working live during tournaments — especially the Euros — meant waiting to see if England won before starting late-night pieces. It added to the nerves, but also the excitement.
Fun & Personality
If you could illustrate any moment in women’s football history, which would you choose?
The 2022 Euros win. It changed everything. I wasn’t ready professionally then, but watching as a fan was special.
Dream collaboration — who with?
Adidas or Nike. Designing boots or merch would be incredible.
Matchday ritual or superstition?
I have a pair of lucky pants… which I wore for every England match at the Euros (washed, obviously) — and they won, so the tradition stays!
If the women’s game had creative trading cards, what would be on yours?
High “Ability to work under pressure.” A must for creating reactive artwork.
If your art was a football formation, what would it be?
Fluid, like Arsène Wenger’s philosophy: “Football is an art… but only when it’s well done does it become an art.”
And finally… favourite biscuit?
A chocolate digestive! Dunked in tea. A regular digestive is too dry — the chocolate makes it.
Lizzie’s story embodies what this series is all about: women carving their space in football, shaping how the game looks, feels and evolves. Her work captures the joy, power and personality of women’s football — and she continues to inspire young fans and future creatives with every project.
You can follow Lizzie’s work, commissions and football illustrations across her social channels and portfolio Instagram.
This is just the beginning of our VERTA Spotlight series. We’ll be speaking to more photographers, designers, illustrators, producers, community founders and creatives who make the women’s game what it is today — vibrant, innovative and full of heart.
Got someone we should feature? Drop us a message.
